Fifty Plus (50+) - Pride of ownership

There are many personal traits I have that are admirable and more than a few that are not. In particular I was thinking about BluesDawg's response "I think this poll is starting to bring out our snobbishness." in Stapfam's thread "What bike?" http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=525407&page=2

It occurs to me that I do tend to get somewhat snobbish about the particular bikes I own. How do I know this is true? Well, as much as I hate to admit it, I've found myself cruising the Internet looking for favorable reviews after I've already purchased the bike (or built it from frame up). I also have found myself looking for faults in other brands/models when someone shows off their new ride (I do have the sense to keep what I find to myself and not share my thoughts with others, but I still have those thoughts). Or, here's one my sons have called me on. Someone will say, "Oh, you've got a Specialized Roubaix; how do you like it?" And, I'll respond, "It's and S-Works Roubiax...." My boys have correctly pointed out to me that I really want the other person to know that it's the higher end Roubaix.

So, is this pride of ownership, snobbishness, some deep seated need to inflate my own sense of importance? I guess I already know the answer. I really do own the greatest bikes on the planet. :innocent:

"And, I'll respond, "It's and S-Works Roubiax"

+1 a great bike for someone our age, you should be proud.:thumb:

I'm also fortunate to be able to ride with my two grown sons who will call me out frequently on my gaffe's.

So, is this pride of ownership, snobbishness, some deep seated need to inflate my own sense of importance? I guess I already know the answer. I really do own the greatest bikes on the planet. :innocent:[/QUOTE]


Probably, but there are worse traits.............just sayin'

I've got some of that.

I've got a couple of 10 year old bikes that continue to draw frequent compliments. One is a Santana Noventa (filet brazed) tandem with shadeshifter paint. The other is a Klein Quantum Race with a white to dark gray fade paint job. Whenever somebody that I barely know tells me I have a beautiful bike, it makes me feel good.

Since I build my own............I have every right to be snobbish...:D

Pride in ownership? OK. I can see that.
My focus is to get the most out of the aging old engine.
I am currently biking on a Trek Madone 5.2. I would get a new bike in a minute if it would help increase my average speed on my test trial ride of 100 miles.
All other concerns pale in comparison (for me).

Faces in friends, only a hand full of people know anything about our bikes. We may take some pride in what we own and we may appreciate one of the bikes our friends have but most people wouldn’t know one Specialized bike from another. Pride of ownership is when we wipe down the bike after every ride, when we clean the chain before we wash our hands and when we inspect the tire before every ride.

I think when we talk to each other and say, I have a xxxx works bike with Dura Ace it is to let others know we have a good piece of equipment. And yes it is true, we are all boys at heart, and girls.

So, is this pride of ownership, snobbishness, some deep seated need to inflate my own sense of importance? I guess I already know the answer. I really do own the greatest bikes on the planet. :innocent:

Interesting question - but it contains, if I read it right, a feeling that people might specify the quality of their bikes to impress others.

I think a bit differently, that people connect with their bikes and equipment because of their memories and appreciation of how they've felt when riding them - and that's personal pleasure rather than showing off. "This one was under me on my first century, this one makes me smile when I look at its paint, I love the sound of the freewheel ratchet on this one" and so forth.

And we specify the model and the brand history because, basically, we're kit-geeks ;)

The two bikes I ride most often and Boreas rarely gets any looks. I know the quality of it though and how it rides. Have a lot of pride with that bike but rarely gets a glance from other riders. Could be down to the matt anodised finish on it. But the TCR- that always gets a few comments out on the rides.

I suppose it is that so many TCR's are about that people know them. The only other Boreas I have ever seen is the LBS owners own one. The one I test rode before ordering mine and getting it built up. One ride and I knew I had to have one.

The two bikes I ride most often and Boreas rarely gets any looks. I know the quality of it though and how it rides. Have a lot of pride with that bike but rarely gets a glance from other riders. Could be down to the matt anodised finish on it. But the TCR- that always gets a few comments out on the rides.

I suppose it is that so many TCR's are about that people know them. The only other Boreas I have ever seen is the LBS owners own one. The one I test rode before ordering mine and getting it built up. One ride and I knew I had to have one.

The reason no one comments on your Boreas is because of the color. Just sayin'

The reason no one comments on your Boreas is because of the color. Just sayin'

So, what colour would you advise? Puce? Teal? (One from a car manufacturer) Sorrento Bliss?

Or, always reliable, Colgate?

Like any enthusiast, I enjoy the mechanical and aesthetic pleasures of a great bicycle...or would if I had one. :) But rather than "pride" of ownership, I think many of us would prefer the connotations of "joy" of ownership. I enjoy the finer aspects of my bicycles even alone in the middle of a Kansas farm road, miles from anyone to impress. Sure, I feel good when someone comments favorably on my bike, but I don't spend money seeking that acclaim. The bike only has to please one person: me. Much cheaper that way! :p

Pride of ownership means taking care of what you own. Whatever it is. Even in a Walmart bike.

Making sure others know *what* you own? That's arrogance.

Pride of ownership leads one to appreciate and perhaps even brag a bit about her or his bike. Snobbishness, on the other hand, would denigrate or ignore those who who ride something deemed inferior.

I enjoy just showing up for a group ride or at a bike shop with the 1959 Capo and observing who notices it and who doesn't. Those who are passionate about beautiful craftsmanship and the history of European road bicycles "get it," but lots of folks don't seem to.

A zillion years ago, on (of all things) Mod Squad there was an exchange that has stuck with me.

Guy: Nice car
Dude: Thanks
Guy: Oh, did you make it?
Dude: No
Guy: Then don't take credit for it.

I always remember that when someone says "Nice bike" to me.

Mod squad, dispenser of fine philosophy. Who'd a thunk it.